Damage Yacht Towed Ashore

The boat was having engine problems before it drifted into the jetty at the northern end of Harbor Beach Saturday night. By the next morning the boat had listed and sank in shallow water.

The Smooth Operator and its two passengers were helped by lifeguards who tried to drop the boat's anchor to keep it from smashing into the rocks.

Images: Damaged Yacht Returns to Shore

Now, one of the owners of the yacht, Richard Crook of Fallbrook claims his captain, Geoff Quillin didn't have permission to operate the boat and should face criminal charges, according to our media partners at the North County Times.

Oceanside police told the paper that they are investigating Quillin and may charge him with a misdemanor of maritime joy-riding.

Crook said he had no idea the boat was anywhere but safe at the dock until a friend who saw the stranded boat on the news called him Sunday morning, he told the paper.